Media release by Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Minister of Mobility
Last week, after stopping and checking a truck on its way to Cape Town from Durban, Provincial Traffic Inspectors detected 22 bags of compressed dagga, weighing one tonne, and with a street value over R9 million. The driver of the truck was arrested and detained at the South African Police Service (SAPS) station in Beaufort West.
In another incident in the Central Karoo, Inspectors stopped a mini-bus during a Public Transport Operation and detected a strong smell of dagga coming from the trailer. A search of the vehicle revealed 15 small packs of compressed dagga, weighing 13,446kg. The driver, who had been on his way to Cape Town from the Eastern Cape, was arrested and detained at Beaufort West.
Our Provincial Traffic Services continue to make the Western Cape safer, with their 24/7, 365-days-a-year enforcement presence. I salute the commitment of our officers and officials who do everything they can to protect the public and serve the province they love.
Results of Provincial Traffic Services operations: 11 to 16 April 2023
Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 244 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check points and speed control operations across the Western Cape in the week of 11 to 16 April 2023, and 33 856 vehicles were stopped and checked. A total of 9 862 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness.
A total of 251 speeding offences were recorded. The highest speeds recorded this week were as follows:
- 183km/h in a 120km/h zone
- 144km/h in a 100km/h zone
- 99km/h in an 80km/h zone
Thirty vehicles were impounded and 128 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.
Arrests
A total of 61 arrests were made for the following offences:
- 41 x driving under the influence of alcohol.
- 2 x speeding.
- 2 x reckless and negligent driving.
- 1 x goods overloading.
- 9 x possession of fraudulent documentation.
- 1 x inducing an authorised officer or peace officer to act in conflict with his/ her duty.
- 1 x undocumented person.
- 2 x possession of illegal substance.
- 1 x possession of stolen goods.
- 1 x failing to furnish information.
Fatalities
A total of 21 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 26 fatalities were recorded:
- 4 x drivers.
- 2 x cyclists.
- 3 x motorcyclists.
- 9 x passengers.
- 8 x pedestrians.
It is up to you to make the difference. #BeTheChange you want to see on our roads.
Audio: One tonne of dagga seized by WC Provincial Traffic on the N1
Media Queries:
Rebecca Campbell
Spokesperson for Minister Ricardo Mackenzie
076 783 2583